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LABOUR MEP Thomas Bajada has renewed calls for tough- er enforcement against illegal lampuki fishing in the Medi- terranean, warning that legisla- tion alone will not protect fish stocks unless authorities ensure the rules are properly applied. In a video published on so- cial media, Bajada said recent reports of illegal fishing high- lighted the need for stronger action by the European Un- ion and national authorities, arguing that illegal practices threaten marine ecosystems, undermine honest fishers and jeopardise Europe's long-term food security. "I am deeply concerned by what we are witnessing. Ille- gal fishing does not only harm our marine environment; it also penalises the many fish- ers who respect the rules and rely on the sea for their liveli- hood," Bajada said. He stressed the actions of a minority should not tarnish the wider fishing community, noting that the overwhelming majority of fishers operate re- sponsibly and sustainably. However, Bajada said the fo- cus must now shift from legis- lation to implementation. "As legislators, we have done our part by strengthening the European Union's legal frame- work to combat illegal, unre- ported and unregulated fish- ing. The responsibility must now shift to implementation. Laws only make a difference when they are enforced," he said. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 2026 • ISSUE 105 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday CONTINUES PAGE 3 €1.00 Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates Gozitan MEP renews calls for tougher enforcement against illegal lampuki fishing PA pushes for refusal of 2.7hectare solar farm on protected Gozo plateau SEE PAGE 3 Planning Board will decide on 4 September whether to reject a 2.7-hectare solar farm proposed for a scenic Gozo plateau, with the Planning Authority recommending refusal Labour MEP Thomas Bajada says recent reports of illegal fishing highlighted the need for stronger action by the European Union and national authorities, arguing that illegal practices threaten marine ecosystems, undermine honest fishers and jeopardise Europe's long-term food security Labour MEP Thomas Bajada